Lepidium lyratum: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. It was not included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial, divaricate branched herb 20–60 cm. Leaves coriaceous; basal ones lyrate–pinnate; cauline ones linear, early dying, thus the stem seems leafless. Flowers white. Silicle ovate or elliptic, 1,5–2 x 1,5 mm, wingless, with very short sessile style.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan (Djrvezh, Norq, Dalma gardens, villages Parakar, Khatunarkh, Ayghr lich, Lenughi) and Darelegis (Djermuk) floristic regions. EOO is 1500 km2, AOO is 32 km2, the number of locations is 5. Besides Armenia the general area of distribution includes East Ciscaucasia, Nakhichevan, North–East Anatolia, North–West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitudes of 800–1800 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, screes, on sandy soil, among phryganoid and steppe vegetation. Flowering in May, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Generally loss/degradation of habitats especially caused by the expansion of settlements, agricultural development and road construction.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.